Country guide - St Lucia  

 
 

Introduction: St. Lucia is an island located in the windward group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. The island is of volcanic origin with high lava ridges and craters. It has some of the finest mountain scenery in the West Indies, rich with tropical vegetation.

Official Name: St. Lucia
Area: 619 Sq Km (239 Sq Miles)
Population: 162,000
Continent: Caribbean/North America
Density per square mile: 682
Capital City: Castries
Religions: 86% Roman Catholic, 11% Protestant

Language: English (official) & French patois
Government: Independent republic within the British Commonwealth

Currency: East Caribbean dollar
GDP: $866 million
GDP Per Head: $5,400

Natural Resources: Forests, minerals (pumice), mineral springs, geothermal potential
Land Use: Arable Land 5%
Agriculture: bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops, cocoa
Industry: Clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism, lime processing, coconut processing

Tourism: St Lucia is one of the Caribbean's major package-tour destinations. Much of the island is still unspoilt with its small fishing villages, secluded coves, banana plantations and undulating jungle. It is awash with white sandy beaches for swimming, snorkeling and windsurfing.

Natural Hazards: Hurricanes and volcanic activity
Health Risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) and the fer-de-lance snake (a poisonous pit viper)

Climate: St. Lucia has a tropical climate. The wet season is from June - September and the dry season from February to May. Average annual rainfall varies from 59 - 68 inches on the north and on the south coasts up to 157 inches) in the interior rain forest. The average temperature is 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) all year round.

Time: GMT/UTC - 4 hours
National Days: February 22

Visas: British,Australian and most other countriescitizens must be in possesion of a passport but do not need visas to enter Saint Lucia for visits up to 42 days. Citizens of the USA and Canada can enter St Lucia with proof of citizenship and a photo ID. French citizens can enter with a national identity card.

British Embassy Details

 

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